Durability of Building Materials and Components in the Agricultural Environment, Part II: Metal Structures

Abstract

Metals in agricultural structures are often subjected to adverse environmental conditions resulting in high corrosion rates (up to 200 m/yr). The di!erent factors enhancing metal corrosion in farm buildings include high humidity and temperature, high concentrations of aggressive gases, acids, and salts (from silage and feed residues, cleaning agents, manure, fertilizers, preservatives), mechanical destruction and bacteria causing microbially induced corrosion. The importance of microbially induced corrosion is not yet clari"ed and a reduction in corrosion by bio"lms on metals has also been reported. Corrosion products found in animal houses are similar to those resulting from classic corrosion mechanisms, which may lead to the conclusion that the fundamental mechanisms of metal corrosion in animal buildings are similar to the classic ones. Di!erent methods to detect, measure and predict corrosion are described. The economic losses by corrosion in agriculture are evaluated. By corrosion prevention, a reasonable amount of expense can be saved. Prevention includes: (1) the choice of corrosion resistant materials such as stainless steel or non-metallic materials; (2) designing against corrosion; (3) control of the aggressive environment; and (4) application of coatings. When protective coatings are used, such as zinc layers and painting systems, surface preparation of the metal is of the utmost importance. Zinc layers should be thick enough ( '50 m), and zinc-coated steel should be protected in areas of extreme aggressiveness, such as "ttings at #oor level. Reports about the durability of di!erent painting systems in agricultural structures are reviewed. The development of new environmentally friendly products is discussed. Guidelines for maintenance of previously painted steelwork are formulated. Silsoe Research Institute

Properties and cleanability of new and traditional surface materials in cattle barns - a field study

“…In this study the main focus was on cleanability, but depending on location thermal comfort, softness, friction, abrasiveness, surface profile and contact pressure should also be considered in material selection. However, floors which are hard to clean encourage the transmission of diseases in floors in animal buildings (De Belie et al 2000c) and cleanability is thus one important factor determining the hygienic properties of surfaces in cattle barns.…”

Assessment of cleanness of environmental surfaces in cattle barns and piggeries

“…Coatings also improves the cleanability of concrete , Kuisma et al 2008b. In some studies other materials than concrete were included, for example wood as a material of cattle barns has been reviewed by de Belie et al (2000b) and metal by de Belie et al (2000c). In some studies the use of bedding materials (Ruunaniemi et al 2005) and straw (Tuyttens 2005) has been the focus of attention rather than the structural, permanently installed surface material itself.…”

Corrosion of 1.4110 stainless steel at nitrate acid at 323 K

“…Animal products and biological substances are important corrosive environmental factors in agricultural industry. Therefore, corrosion in agricultural industry is very a difficult and also dangerous process [27][28][29][30][31][32].…”

“…The environment, which agricultural machines and devices work in, is classified as very aggressive [29][30][31][32]. The reason for this, among others, is high nitrogen content in the atmosphere and in animal waste, which can form chemical compounds.…”

“…Animal products and biological substances are important corrosive environmental factors in agricultural industry. Therefore, corrosion in agricultural industry is very a difficult and also dangerous process [27][28][29][30][31][32].The environment, which agricultural machines and devices work in, is classified as very aggressive [29][30][31][32]. The reason for this, among others, is high nitrogen content in the atmosphere and in animal waste, which can form chemical compounds.…”